Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
This study explored differences in perceptions of evidence-based practice (EBP) between occupational therapy (OT) students and practitioners. Researchers aimed to understand student and practitioner perceptions of barriers, knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in EBP. Occupational therapy students (n=61) and practitioners (n=21) completed an online researcher-created survey and the Evidence-Based Practice Confidence (EPIC) Scale survey. Results indicated practitioners were more confident in utilizing EBP than students, particularly when identifying a gap in knowledge related to a patient (p = <.001) deciding on a course of action for a client (p = <.001), and assessing the efficacy of EBP on client outcomes (p = <.001). This finding was inconsistent with previous research, which may be due to more practitioners receiving formal education on EBP. It is critical for OT education to support student learning and application of clinical reasoning throughout the EBP process in order to increase confidence. This study was limited by the use of a homogenous population from a single university.
Biography
Dr. Alison Nichols, OTD, OTR is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy in the School of Occupational Therapy at the University of Indianapolis, where she teaches content related to pediatrics in both the Master and Doctorate programs.
Paige Creighton, OTD, OTR is a recent graduate from the University of Indianapolis and practices in northwest Indiana.
Annie DeRolf, OTD, OTR is a recent graduate from the University of Indianapolis and practices in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Shelby Hale, OTD, OTR is a recent graduate from the University of Indianapolis and practices in southern Indiana.
LeAnn VanDeman, OTD, OTR is a recent graduate from the University of Indianapolis and practices in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Kersten Laughlin, OTD, OTR is a recent graduate from the University of Indianapolis and practices in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Kelsie Long, OTD, OTR is is a recent graduate from the University of Indianapolis and practices in northern Indiana.
Declaration of Interest
The primary author is employed by the university from which student and alumni participants were recruited. The remaining authors were students through May 2018 at the university from which student and alumni participants were recruited. None of the authors served as participants in the research.
Recommended Citation
Nichols, A., Creighton, P., DeRolf, A., Hale, S., VanDeman, L., Laughlin, K., & Long, K. (2018). Differences in the Use and Perceptions of Evidence-Based Practice between Occupational Therapy Students and Practitioners. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 2 (3). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2018.020306
Creative Commons License
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